Seminar in Dramatic Theory

3 units

The course begins with Plato's critique of mimesis and Aristotle's defense, as we read THE POETICS as a response to Plato. We will take some of Aristotle's basic concepts, such as mimesis, plot, character, and thought, and attempt to apply them to drama up to the present day. We will also consider fundamental elements of both the dramatic text and the dramatic production, such as space, time, dialogue, narrative devices, and perspective. Brecht's theory of epic drama will form the other conceptual pole in the course, opposing Aristotle. Besides these two theorists, other figures will include Ben Jonson, Corneille, Dryden, Diderot, Schiller, Hegel, Zola, Artaud, and Grotowski. The course, then, will have both chronological and thematic axes. Three papers and one oral presentation. Credit 3 units.